1961 BMW 501 vs. 1956 Bristol 405
To start off, 1961 BMW 501 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Bristol 405 (101 HP) has 1 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1956 Bristol 405.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1961 BMW 501 (182 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Bristol 405. (152 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1956 Bristol 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 501 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 101 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 72 L |
